Writing on Twitter, he said: “To the Stoke fan who threw a pie after we scored our first goal.... just to let you know that you hit a young girl in the face and left her crying, in pain and upset. Well done you cowardly loser - you must be so proud of yourself. You hit a YOUNG GIRL in the face!”

James O’Hara said: “I'd love to take my kids to away games but this sort of tale is one of a number of reasons why I don't. Hope that doesn't come across as melodramatic. They'll be there against Blackburn.”

AJ Potter said: “Unfortunately our minority of scally supporters come out at away games and are an embarrassment. Thought pre-match sales of Burberry, Stella and North Face must go through the roof!"